Foothill Captures First EBAL Title Since 2006

Fullback Cash Connolly carves his way through the Granada defense. Photo by Cliff Jackson

By Chris Jackson Friday October 31, 2014

LIVERMORE, CA-Since 2006, Foothill wasn't able to conquer the ultimate East Bay crown.

Until now.

The mantras "Hang a Banner" and "Banner Season" from Foothill (8-1) are now official after holding off the hostGranada Matadors (1-8), 28-21.

Dual-threat quarterback Brian Barnett gave Granada a 14-7 lead on a four-yard run midway through the secondquarter and put the Falcons on upset alert. SMU bound quarterback Kyle Kearns responded to the murmurs inseconds.

On the first play from scrimmage following the Barnett touchdown, Kearns delivered one of his top passes of theseason. He hit USC commit Isaiah Langley in stride for the 85-yard score to tie it at 14 apiece.

Kearns later put the game away on two more touchdown passes, capping it off with an 11-yard strike to three starrecruit Isaiah Floyd to give the Falcons a 28-14 lead with 8:05 remaining.

The four touchdowns from Kearns were all they needed as he also went 5-of-9 for 102 yards, putting up all of theirpoints.

Cash Connolly and Isaiah Langley added to the strong effort from Kearns and displayed why they are among the topplayers in the league. Connolly rushed for 127 yards on 10 carries alongside 101 yards receiving on just two catchesfrom Langley.

Foothill's slow start didn't come back to haunt them as the defense managed to stop the Granada run game that wastearing it apart in the first half. They held Brian Barnett to 77 yards rushing and 85 passing following a breakout firsthalf from him.

Now that Foothill has clinched the league title, it travels to rival Amador Valley. Although one game remains and the​Falcons own just a one game lead over Cal, they won the head-to-head matchup to secure the banner.